US EB-5 Visa Fee Increase for Indians

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will implement a new EB-5 visa fee structure effective November 30, 2026, more than doubling costs for applicants. This decision reflects a finalized rule published on September 30, 2026, aiming to cover program operating costs, meet statutory processing mandates, and enforce integrity measures.

Significant Fee Increases

Per Fragomen , the fee for Form I-526, which pertains to standalone investors, will rise from $3,675 to $7,615, representing a 107% increase. For regional center investors using Form I-526E, the cost will go from $3,675 to $7,850, marking a 114% increase. Additionally, filing Form I-829 to remove residency conditions will cost $5,000, up from $3,750, according to factumimmigration.com .

Impact on Indian Investors

The sharp fee increase will be particularly challenging for Indian investors. An analysis by IMI Daily highlights that this creates a significant financial barrier, especially since many Indian investors rely on the EB-5 route because of extensive backlogs in employer sponsored visa categories. Currently, the EB-2 India category is unavailable, and EB-3 is backlogged to 2014, increasing reliance on the EB-5 path.

Demand has surged, with Indian EB-5 applications almost doubling from 879 in 2024 to 1,903 in 2025 (source: Times of India ). According to Business Standard, the US reached its annual per country cap for Indian applicants earlier in 2026, pausing new visa issuance under the EB-5 unreserved category until October 1, 2026.

Strategic Implications

Indian investors need to consider these fee hikes alongside existing backlogs and visa availability. To mitigate these effects, experts advise consulting immigration advisors promptly and filing any petitions before November 30 to avoid the increased fees. This urgency is compounded by strategic calculations surrounding visa cap limits and potential retrogression risks.

With structural changes under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022, which altered investment thresholds and centralized decision making on targeted employment areas, prospective investors face a complex decision making environment. The reform dramatically increased minimum investment amounts and introduced new fees and processing adjustments.

Forward Outlook

As fiscal year 2027 begins on October 1, 2026, India is expected to continue playing a significant role in the EB-5 program, provided it navigates these financial and procedural challenges effectively. However, strategic filing and careful timing will be critical in maximizing success under the revised fee structure.